shore; he fought, he conquered. The morning 70 sun cheered the American world. Our country rose on the event; and her dauntless chief, pursuing his blow, completed, in the lawns of Princeton, what his vast soul had conceived on the shores of Delaware.

75 Thence to the strong grounds of Morristown he led his small but gallant band; and through an eventful winter, by the high efforts of his genius, whose matchless force was measurable only by the growth of difficulties, he held in check formidable 80 hostile legions conducted by a chief experienced in the art of war, and famed for his valor on the ever memorable heights of Abraham, where fell Wolfe, Montcalm, and, since, our much lamented Montgomery, all covered with glory. In this fortunate 85 interval, produced by his masterly conduct, our fathers, ourselves, animated by his resistless example, rallied around our country's standard, and continued to follow her beloved chief through the various and trying scenes to which the destinies 90 of our Union led.

To the horrid din of battle, sweet peace succeeded; and our virtuous chief, mindful only of the common good, in a moment tempting personal aggrandizement,' hushed the discontents of growing sedi95 tion; and surrendering his power into the hands from which he had received it, converted his sword

1 Aggrandizement, gain.

into a plowshare, teaching an admiring world that to be truly great, you must be truly good.

How novel, how grand the spectacle! Independent States, stretched over an immense territory, 100 and known only by common difficulty, clinging to their union as the rock of their safety, deciding by frank comparison of their relative condition, to rear on that rock, under the guidance of reason, a common government through whose commanding 105 protection, liberty, and order, with their long train of blessings, should be safe to themselves, and the sure inheritance of their posterity.

This arduous 1 task devolved on citizens selected by the people, from knowledge of their wisdom and 110 confidence in their virtue. In this august 2 assembly of sages and of patriots, Washington, of course, was found; and as if acknowledged to be most wise where all were wise, with one voice declared their chief. How well he merited this rare distinction, 115 how faithful were the labors of himself and his compatriots, the work of their hands and our union, strength and prosperity, the fruits of that work, best attest.

This great work remained to be done; and Amer- 120 ica, steadfast in her preference, with one voice summoned her beloved Washington, unpracticed as he was in the duties of civil administration, to execute this last act in the completion of the national 1 Arduous, very difficult.

2 August, dignified, impressive.

125 felicity. Obedient to her call, he assumed the high office with that self distrust peculiar to his innate modesty, the constant attendant of preëminent virtue. What was the burst of joy through our anxious land, of this exhilarating event, is 130 known to us all. The aged, the young, the brave, the fair, rivaled each other in demonstrations of their gratitude; and this high wrought, delightful scene was heightened in its effect by the singular contest between the zeal of the bestowers and the avoidance 135 of the receiver of the honors bestowed.

1

The presidential term expiring, his solicitude 1 to exchange exaltation for humility returned with a force increased with increase of age; and he had prepared his farewell address to his countrymen, 140 proclaiming his intention, when the united interposition of all around him, enforced by the eventful prospects of the epoch, produced a further sacrifice of inclination to duty. The election of President followed, and Washington, by the unanimous 145 vote of the nation, was called to resume the chief magistracy. What a wonderful fixture of confidence! Which attracts most our admiration, a people so correct, or a citizen combining an assemblage of talents forbidding rivalry, and stifling 150 even envy itself? Such a nation ought to be happy; such a chief must be forever revered.

First in war, first in peace, and first in the hearts

1 Solicitude, anxiety.

of his countrymen, he was second to none in the humble and endearing scenes of private life. Pious, just, humane, temperate, and sincere; uniform, 155 dignified, and commanding, his example was as edifying to all around him as were the effects of that example lasting.

To his equals he was condescending; to his inferiors, kind; and to the dear object of his affections 160 exemplarily1 tender. Correct throughout, vice shuddered in his presence, and virtue always felt his fostering hand; the purity of his private character gave effulgence 2 to his public virtues.

His last scene comported with the whole tenor3 of 165 his life although in extreme pain, not a sigh, not a groan escaped him; and with undisturbed serenity he closed his well spent life. Such was the man America lost! Such was the man for whom our nation mourns!

170

Methinks I see his august image, and hear, falling from his venerable lips, these deep sinking words: "Cease, sons of America, lamenting our separation: go on, and confirm by your wisdom the fruits of our joint counsels, joint efforts, and common 175 dangers. Reverence religion; diffuse knowledge throughout your land; patronize the arts and sciences; let liberty and order be inseparable com

1 Exemplarily, setting a good example.

2 Effulgence, brilliancy, glory.

3 Tenor, course.

1

panions; control party spirit, the bane 1 of free gov180 ernment; observe good faith to, and cultivate peace with, all nations; shut up every avenue to foreign influence; contract rather than extend national connection; rely on yourselves only; be American in thought and deed. Thus will you give immortality 185 to that Union, which was the constant object of my terrestrial labors. Thus will you preserve, undisturbed to the latest posterity, the felicity of a people to me most dear; and thus will you supply (if my happiness is now aught to you) the only 190 vacancy in the round of pure bliss high heaven bestows."

2

3

RICHARD HENRY LEE.

QUESTIONS FOR STUDY

Narrate the historical incidents referred to in each of the following: (a), (b), (c) (d), (e), (f), (g), (h), (i), (j).

Memorize this paragraph.

1 Bane, poison, danger.

2 Terrestrial, earthly.

3 Felicity, happiness.